Russian Wrestlers to Boycott Paris 2024 Olympics Starting July 26 Over IOC Selection Process

Jul 6, 2024, 12:38 PM

The Russian Wrestling Federation has announced that its wrestlers will not participate in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, starting on July 26, 2024. This decision comes in response to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) selection process, which the federation criticized as 'unsportsmanlike.' The IOC had invited 10 Russian wrestlers to compete as neutral athletes, but the federation objected, stating that Russians had qualified for up to 16 spots. The federation also highlighted that six of the invited wrestlers were not considered team leaders. The decision was made unanimously by officials, coaches, and athletes. Of the 10 invited wrestlers, nine agreed to compete, while one declined.